Workplace Retaliation Does Not Necessarily Require Proof of Discrimination
Gender discrimination is a serious problem in many Oklahoma workplaces. Yet many victims are afraid to come forward because they fear retaliation. That is why federal laws expressly forbid employers from discriminating against an employee for “opposing any practice” that is considered unlawful. While the law does not actually use the word “retaliation,” that is […]
How Oklahoma’s Cap on “Noneconomic” Damages Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
It is not always possible to quantify a personal injury claim. For example, if you are in a car accident, you can calculate your medical bills and lost wages. But what about your pain and suffering? This falls into a legal category known as “noneconomic damages.” In 2011 the Oklahoma legislature-under pressure from so-called “tort […]
Oklahoma Supreme Court: You Can’t Lose Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Missing a Doctor’s Appointment
Workers’ compensation is a special category of personal injury claim in Oklahoma. Typically, an injured plaintiff must prove the defendant was negligent in order to receive damages. But with workers’ compensation, an employer is expected to provide benefits upon receiving notice of a covered employee’s job-related injury, without regard to fault. Justices Throw Out 2014 […]
EEOC Accuses Oklahoma Oil & Gas Company of Screening Applicants by Age, Workers’ Compensation Status
Oklahoma employers are supposed to make hiring decisions based on merit, not preconceived notions of an applicant’s fitness based on age or disability. Indeed, federal and state laws prohibit such employment discrimination. Unfortunately, many employers throughout the state try to find clever ways to work around the law, only to find themselves in the cross-hairs […]
How Long Do I Have to File an Employment Discrimination Claim?
Employment discrimination is usually not a one-time affair. Many Oklahoma employees are subject to a pervasive, hostile work environment that lasts for months or even years. Federal and state laws provide remedies for employees who are victims of such discrimination, but it is critical to take prompt action because there are certain statutory deadlines that […]
What Happens When Oklahoma Auto Insurers Deal in Bad Faith?
Dealing with insurance companies is often a major hassle following a car accident. While insurance companies have every right to conduct due diligence before paying out a claim, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has said there is an “an implied duty to of the insurer to act in good faith and deal fairly with its insured.” […]
Was It Retaliation?
Retaliation is an act made against an employee as an effort to punish him or her for exercising one or more of his or her rights. Specifically, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 lists a set of activities designated as “protected activities.” An employer cannot retaliate against an employee in any way […]
What are my Rights While I am On Maternity Leave?
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to include pregnancy as a protected class. With this law, it became illegal to terminate an employee for being pregnant. It also becomes illegal for employers to discriminate against pregnant women, parents, and prospective parents in any way, such as asking […]
How Does Age Discrimination Hurt Older Workers?
Age discrimination is legally defined as any form of workplace discrimination against an individual age 40 or over. Age was added to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. Like other forms of discrimination, age discrimination can cause a victim to suffer steep financial […]
Recognizing Illegal Interview Questions
During an interview, you should expect to be asked about your industry experience and the qualities that make you a strong candidate for the role. You should not expect to be asked questions about your personal life, your past, or your personal views. These questions can be used to discriminate against a candidate unfairly, which […]